An Exploratory Study of Group Therapy for Sexually Abused Adolescents and Nonoffending Guardians |
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Authors: | Amanda P Smith |
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Institution: | Griffith University , Brisbane, Australia |
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Abstract: | ABSTRACT Adolescent survivors of sexual abuse frequently report severe trauma, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. While cognitive-behavioral group interventions show promise, interpreting efficacy is problematic due to commonly high attrition. This article reports promising exploratory study findings relating to a 12-week multimodal abuse-specific group intervention with a nonoffending parent/caregiver component. Participants (aged 11–16 years) consisted of six adolescents with severe abuse histories, and their caregivers. Participants completed pre-, post-, and 1-month follow-up measures. The results were consistent with the possibility that the program produced clinically meaningful reductions in abuse-related psychological sequelae, the program had excellent face validity with participants, and there were no dropouts. |
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Keywords: | Adolescent sexual abuse intervention group |
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